On October 2nd, 1927, Abdullatif Abdul-HussainAlKazemi was born to a reputable Kuwaiti family where two key values of his upbringing were education and development.

Abdulatif was exceptionally curious and ambitious,he acquired bilingual fluency, rare at that time in Kuwait, which lead him to become a man with national and international concerns. Upon his graduation in 1940, Abdullatif worked in varying business outlets, observing the market vigilantly and gaining in-depth knowledge of its operative nature, which he learned from his late father Abdul Hussein AlKazemi.

Abdullatif had a deep-rooted belief that it was his duty to build his country, which propelled him forward into both business and politics. Through his dedication towards building his business, he developed various commercial companies which contributed to the formation of AlKazemi Group of Companies, one of Kuwait's globally-recognized organizations.

With close observation of key markets in Kuwait, Abdullatif set up several companies when he saw there was a growing demand for services; his first company was in shipping and logistics in 1955. He set up the company United Shipping Services in Kuwait, in partnership with African Hull Blyth and British Cory Bros.

As one of the first entrants in the booming market, the company was a massive success for Abdullatif and by 1970, he was able to buy out the international partners and renamed the company United Shipping Trading & Contracting Services or USTCS. USTCS remains until today one of the leading shipping companies in Kuwait and the Middle East region. Abdullatif Al Kazemi went on to penetrate other markets, including the travel and tourism industry with the establishment of Al Kazemi Travel Agencies W.L.L.

During the 1960’s and 70’s, Abdullatif was active both politically and entrepreneurially. He was a member of the Municipality Council and by late 1960’s, he was a permanent member of parliament, where he continued to run and win parliamentary elections for over a decade, eventually leading to an elected position as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Financial and Economical Affairs Committee

Abdullatif's achievements and contributions to his country on a social and economic level are still in effect today; it was his initiative to establish The Public Institution for Social Security. He was the first Kuwaiti contractor to serve Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and it was under his guidance that the nationalization of the production of oil from foreign oil companies was returned to the people of Kuwait.

Today Abdullatif's successors have maintained his legacy by continuing to ensure the company’s ongoing success.

Business and Activities

1946: Contractor, cargo transport from Shuweikh port to Ahmedi city and oil fields

1953: United Shipping Services was established in partnership with the African Hull Blyth and British Cory Bros.

1959: Member of regulatory authority for management of nation affairs.

1959: One of the contributing founders to the establishment of A.R. AlBisher & Z.AlKazemi

1965: Member of Municipal Council

1967: Member of National Assembly – second legislative term

1971: Member of National Assembly – third legislative term

Accreditation

Vice chairman, Technical Committee, Municipal Council

Chairman of Financial/Economic Committee, Municipal Council

Chaired various parliament delegations to world parliaments union

Chaired Financial Committee, National Assembly

Elected reporter of foreign affairs, National Assembly

Participated in the presentation of social security law

Prominent advocate of oil nationalization

First Kuwaiti contractor to serve Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)

Contributed to the creation and promotion of Kuwait infrastructure

Created early trade links with Europe and the USA

His business activities covered various areas including contracting, equipment, and marine and air transportation